Medicube is the science-backed, inventor crazy of the K-beauty world. They love experimenting and (more than that) they love pushing natural ingredients to their limit. Here, their focus settles on glutathione – one of the gentlest ingredients to help lift pigment and balance skin tone. Glutathione is a natural skin antioxidant that helps inhibit the enzyme that forms pigment. It is made up of three amino acids bound into a small protein, so it binds skin cells well and helps lift pigment over time as your skin barrier regenerates. 

In the cream, glutathione (99.4% purity) is bound in small phospholipid capsules to deeply enhance absorption and delivery to skin cells. This is mixed with hydrating ceramides, boosting and firming peptides and brightening niacinamide (as always). So, how does this capsule cream fair to boost glow and hydration – and is it worth the price? It’s designed for use with all skin types – and my skin type is sensitive and leans dry, so will it boost my glow? Let’s find out! 

Glutathione: natural skin lightening agent and antioxidant that lifts pigment from skin cells as they regenerate and prevents formation of new pigment. Also hydrates skin and helps balance skin texture. 

Niacinamide: brightening vitamin that is common in skincare due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities (to soothe redness and irritation) and fades dark spots. 

Glycerin: water humectant that holds water and helps seal skin barrier to prevent water loss. 

Red Seaweed powder: gently exfoliates and helps naturally hydrate and reduce inflammation. 

Thioctic acid (ALA): strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule that helps reduce natural pore size and promote collagen production for firmer skin. 

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester: natural peptide that protects skin elasticity and prevents collagen degradation for firmer, softer skin. Naturally soothing and hydrating.  

As far as Medicube products go, it’s quite a simple concoction. This is likely as the fewer ingredients are better for more sensitive and irritation-prone skin, as there is less to avoid. It is essentially just soothing, hydrating ingredients – that are combined to allow naturally gentle glutathione to shine.

When to Avoid? 
It’s designed to be safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin – so majority of people can enjoy this lightweight cream with ease. It should be avoided however if you are reactive to any of the ingredients. There are a couple culprits that people commonly avoid due to specific irritation: 

- glutathione (some people get a rash and should avoid if they do!) 
- niacinamide (although soothing for most, it can really aggravate some individuals) 
- butylene glycol (a common ingredient that many people have to avoid).

I started it in my evening routine – as I was looking for a hydration boost that was safe for my more sensitive skin. It was a very lightweight, smooth cream – although it felt very sticky on my face. It didn’t cause irritation and was quite cooling. As a texture-centered person, the stickiness was a bit to get over, but it did leave a warm glow on my face. I would use it as the last step in my skincare routine.

I did take a before and after picture of two weeks of using. Within the two weeks, you can see a soft golden glow emanating from my skin (where it was duller prior). There was also a lift to my cheekbone, although its subtle (to see a result in just two weeks was remarkable). The stickiness was something I got used to over time (although it really is a downside), but the deep hydration I got had me using it every night with excitement. 

I did not notice a dramatic change to dark spots or pores, but it did sit well in my routine as a sensitive-friendly cream, which provided lasting hydration and gentle skincare.

It’s a fine product if you are looking for hydration or to add glutathione to your routine with minimal irritation. It imparts a great shine and helped plump my skin. It’s low irritation, was good for hydration and if you are looking to improve your glow – it does do that. It did not lift dark spots immmediately (although the average time for this is 6 weeks) - so I might have to keep on it to see if there is dramatic difference and update.

If you do have more sensitive skin that requires a light glowy, hydration and a boost, it’s a great product.